Urinary aid for human females

ABSTRACT

A urinary device for human females includes a body of flexible material having a pair of first and second angularly related limbs for insertion into the vagina and a collector extending externally of the vagina with a central opening over the urethral meatus. A collection tube for guiding urine away from the body is attached to the collector. An applicator is provided for some embodiments, while other embodiments are shaped for manual insertion. Various shapes and angles of the body are shown as are different angles of the collection tubes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a device for directing a flowof urine from a human female and, more particularly, to a urinecollecting device supported by intravaginally extending portions.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is desirable in many situations to be able to direct and collecturine from a human female. For example, hospitalized patients, andparticularly bed-ridden patients, such as those in traction, requireperiodic emptying of the bladder. Females are often in situations wherea restroom break is either inconvenient or impossible, such as whenworking as aircraft pilots and long distance drivers, military personnelin a combat situation, and in space travel and particularly when in aspace suit. Furthermore, incontinent females are presented with problemsin collecting urine flow.

The simplest and most direct approach to these problems is an internalcatheter extending into the urethra. This, however, is uncomfortable andmay lead to irritation and is not acceptable in long term use.

Various externally and internally applied apparatus have been proposedincluding, for example, a female urinary incontinence device disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,661,155 including a pessary-like support connected toa deformable loop extending outwardly from the support to which aflexible container is removably secured. The support portion is a springdiaphragm ring covered with a latex covering and the deformable loop isa malleable wire covered with a coating.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,238 is disclosed a urine collecting device with aresilient elongated vaginal insert providing support for a urinecollecting receptacle connected to a drain tube. The resilient member isprovided with a degree of stiffness and strength by a metal or plasticresin rod extending therewithin.

A urine collecting device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,901 whichincludes a body of wicking material adjacent a urine collection chamberand preferably includes a vaginal insert to position the device and holdit in place.

A portable female urinal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,776,235 whichincludes a collection container formed with a retaining member which isworn internally. Two drain tube openings are also included. The deviceis supported by a garment or by straps and may include a ring pessary.

It would be an improvement in the art to provide a comfortable,positively positioned urine collecting device for use by females.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to collect urine from a humanfemale without leakage and without discomfort or irritation.

Another object of the invention is to collect urine from a human femalein a standing, sitting or reclining position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a urine collectingdevice which is self-supported by a vaginal insert and which resistsexpulsion and movement out of position.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention are provided ina urinary aid for human females having a body of flexible materialincluding first and second limbs lying at an angle to one another whenin a relaxed position, a collector having a central opening and lying ina plane distinct from the plane of the first and second limbs, and aneck region connecting the first and second limbs to the collector. Acollection tube is preferably connected to the collector. In someembodiments, the apparatus is used with an applicator for inserting thedevice into position. The limbs of the device flex inwardly toward oneanother, not only for comfort but to provide easy insertion of thedevice as well. During insertion, the limbs are moved together, eitherby hand or with an applicator, to provide a small insertion profile. Thelimbs are inserted through the vaginal orifice and the limbs arereleased, preferably slowly. This permits the limbs to spread apart to adeployment angle within the vagina. In the deployment angle, the limbsresist inadvertent removal due to their spring-like action and due tothe natural muscle tension at the vaginal orifice. The limbs preferablydo not stretch or otherwise stress the vaginal tissue, however.

The collector portion of the device remains outside the vagina with theopening held securely over the urethral meatus so that urine flow isdirected into the collection tube without mishap. The shape of the neckand the collector insures that the collector opening remains over theopening of the urethra, even during active lifestyle and exercise. Forremoval of the device, the collector is simply grasped and gently pulledfrom the body.

The apparatus of the invention fits the female anatomy and its shape andstructure uses muscle and tissue to remain in position and resistinadvertent removal. The apparatus is comfortable in use,non-irritating, and resists leaking. The device compensates for variouspositions in the urethral meatus of different individuals as well as forvarying sizes of the vaginal orifice and different relative angles ofthe vagina. Different embodiments are provided depending upon whetherinsertion is by using an applicator or by hand. The embodiments designedfor use with an applicator include specific features allowing for morecomfortable insertion with the applicator.

The applicator provided with the device of the invention is of a sizeand configuration to aid in determining the anatomical characteristicsof the wearer and aid in supplying an embodiment conforming to thatindividual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is medial cross section of the torso of a human female showingthe urogenital system and showing an embodiment of a urinary aidaccording to the principles of the present invention in positiontherein;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partially in cross section, of theurinary aid of FIG. 1 including a collection tube mounted at a somewhatdifferent angle;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the urinary device of FIG. 2 with thecollection tube removed;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the device generally in thedirection of the arrow IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the collector along V--V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the collector along VI--VI of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross section of the collector along the same direction asshown in FIG. 6 of an alternate embodiment of the urinary device;

FIG. 8 is a cross section through a limb of the device shown in FIG. 3along line VIII--VIII;

FIG. 9 is a cross section of a limb in the same direction as FIG. 8 ofan alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross section along line X--X of FIG. 3 showing adeployment notch in a limb of the device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment the present urinarydevice mounted on a applicator and ready for insertion;

FIG. 12 is a cross section along line XII--XII of FIG. 11 showing theapplicator holding the limbs of the device;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the applicator according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the urinarydevice of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 14 shownwithout the collection tube; and

FIG. 16 is a top view of the urinary device of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 1, the urogenital system of the human female isshown in cross section including the bladder 20 from which extends theurethra 22 to the urethral outlet or urethral meatus 24. Immediatelyrearwardly of the urethra 22 is the vagina 26 with the vaginal orifice28. Surrounding the vaginal orifice 28 and urethral meatus 24 are theminor and major labia 30. The pubic symphysis and public bones 32 lieanterior to the urethra 22 and the glans of the clitoris 34 is anteriorof the urethral meatus 24. Posterior to the vaginal orifice 28 is theanus 36. The bladder 20 is shown in the full condition, pressingdownwardly on the vagina 26.

The urinary aid or device 50 of the present invention is shown in placein the view of FIG. 1. The device 50 includes a body 52 having acollector 54 surrounding the urethral meatus 24 and a pair of limbs 56extending internally of the vagina 26 through the vaginal orifice 28. Acollection tube 58 is connected to the collector 54. As can be seen, thefull bladder lies between the limbs 56 of the device 50.

In FIG. 2 is shown the device 50 in greater detail, including the body52 connected to the collection tube 58. The limbs 56, only one of whichis visible in FIG. 2 each include a bulb 60 at the free end thereofwhich is enlarged relative to the diameter of the limbs 56 to preventinjury from the relatively smaller diameter limbs 56. Other shapes andpositions of bulbs are also contemplated. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the bulbs 60 are each directed toward the rear relative to thecollector 54.

The limbs 56 in the first embodiment are straight, opposite their freeend, and extend to a neck 62 which connects the limbs 56 to thecollector 54. The neck 62 has an internal radius of curvature 64 whichprovides a smooth transition between the collector 54 and the limbs 56.The radius of curvature 64 enables the device to rock about the tissuesurrounding the pubic bones 32 without dislodging the device from itsposition. The neck 62 also holds the collector 54 at a predeterminedcomfort angle 66 relative to the limbs 56. In the illustratedembodiment, the comfort angle 66 is approximately 90 degrees, althoughgreater or lesser angles are also contemplated. The comfort angle 66 isvaried depending upon the angular relationship of the vagina 26 to thetissue surrounding the urethral meatus 24.

The sides of the collector 54 extending to the neck region 62 formtorsion members 67 which act as torsion springs when the limbs 56 aremoved toward and away from one another. The torsion members 67 are of adefined cross section to provide a predetermined spring force. The sizeof the torsion members 67 may vary with the length of the limbs 56 orthe spring force of the material. The limbs 56 of some embodimentsinclude a deployment notch 68 for use with an applicator, as will bediscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 10 through 13.

The collection tube 58 may be of a variety of shapes, sizes andconfigurations and may be either permanently or temporarily affixed tothe collector 54 of the device. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and2, the angle of the collection tube 58 may be varied considerably. Afurther possibility for the collection tube angle is shown in FIG. 14.The collection tube 58 is a hollow flexible, preferably rubber tubethrough which urine drains from the collector to a reservoir means 70.The angle of the tube 58 depends upon the primary position of theindividual wearing the present device. For example, the angle of thetube 58 shown in FIG. 1 is useful for an individual in a sittingposition, such as in a wheel chair, or in the standing position. Thetube angle illustrated in FIG. 2 is primarily for use while standing.The tube angle shown in FIG. 14 is angled severely to the rear and isused for an individual who is reclining, such as a bed-ridden patient.

The reservoir 70 into which the collection tube 58 drains may be one ofthe well known collecting bags for incontinence devices or may be a bedpan or other receptacle. Since the device permits the female to standwhile urinating, no special receptacle is required.

In the bottom view of FIG. 3 can be seen the two limbs 56 lying at adeployment angle 72 when the torsion members 67 are not under stress.The deployment angle 72 conforms to the angle formed by the vaginaltissues adjacent the vaginal orifice 28. The deployment angle 72 is of adimension such that no stretching of the vaginal tissues occur. In oneembodiment the deployment angle 72 is 50 degrees.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the neck 62 which connects the collector 54 tothe limbs 56 is of smaller diameter than the collector 54. This permitsthe neck 62 to pass through the vaginal orifice 28 without irritation.The portions of the limbs 56 at the neck 62 lie immediately adjacent oneother, yet are still spaced by a small gap 74 to permit twisting of thetorsion members 67. The size of the gap 74 may vary considerably, aswill be seen. The deployment notch 68 is on the outside surfaces of thelimbs 56 and tapers smoothly to the neck 62. The smooth taper eases theremoval of the device from the applicator so that the limbs 56 openslowly.

In FIG. 4, the collector 54 has a central opening 76 which is placed inregistration with the urethral meatus 24. In the illustrated example,the collector 54 is shaped to provide an elongated oval shaped centralopening 56. Round and other shapes of openings are also possible. Thecentral opening 76 is nearly closed at the gap 74 in the illustratedembodiment.

Various cross sections are shown in FIGS. 5 through 10 of differentportions and embodiments of the device. In FIG. 5, a cross sectionthrough the torsion members 67 forming the sides of the collector 54reveals that the torsion members 67 are circular in cross section toprovide a spring action without weakening the device. In FIG. 6, a crosssection through an end 78 of the collector 54 is likewise circular incross section. As an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the sectionthrough the end 78 is oval. To strengthen the device and preventunwanted bending, the end 78 may be of a larger diameter than thetorsion members 67.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show two embodiments of the limbs 56. In the embodiment ofFIG. 8, each of the limbs 56 is circular in cross section. Theembodiment of FIG. 9 shows a limb 56 having a somewhat "D"-shapedsection with a flattened wall 80 directed toward the opposing limb 56 sothat when the limbs 56 are moved together, the flattened walls 80 lieadjacent one another. This aids in the prevention of pinching of tissueduring insertion of the device.

In FIG. 10 can be seen the deployment notch 68 in a limb 56 whichengages a fitting of an applicator, as discussed hereinafter.

The shaped of the deployment notch 68 depends upon the applicator used.The torsion members 67 urge the limbs 56 into the deployment angle 72shown in FIG. 3, which holds the device in place as the result of thenatural muscle tension at the vaginal orifice 28. The angled legs 56also permit the full bladder to move to its natural position as shown inFIG. 1 without discomfort. However, insertion of the device requiresthat the angled legs 56 be moved toward one another to present a smallerprofile for insertion through the vaginal orifice. This can either bedone by hand or with an applicator 90 as shown mounted on the device 50in FIG. 11. The applicator 90 includes a fitting or shoe 92 which gripsthe opposite sides of the limbs 56 to hold them together for insertion.A handle 94 is connected to the fitting 92 by a linkage 96. As can beseen, the fitting 92 includes a pair of flanges 98 which slide over thedeployment notch 68 at the neck end of the limbs 56. To use theapplicator 90, the limbs 56 and fitting 92 are inserted into the vaginaand the thumb or finger is used to hold the collector 54 while theapplicator 10 is withdrawn. The fitting 92 thereby slides off of thedevice 50 and the shaped shoulders on the deployment notch permit thelimbs 56 to move outward slowly rather than abruptly

In the cross section of FIG. 12, the curved flanges 98 of the fitting 92are shown engaging the deployment notches 68 of the limbs 56. Theflanges 98 conform closely to the shape of the limbs 56 to avoid thechance of pinching, while holding the limbs 56 in the insertionposition.

With reference to FIG. 13, the applicator 90 is formed to reduce as muchas possible the risk of the discomfort or injury during insertion anduse of the present device. The flanges 98 gently curve upward in arounded lead radius 100 and end in a gentle trailing radius 102 so thatsharp corners are not present. The linkage 96 has a primary curve 104conforming to the angle of the device and a secondary curve 106depending upon the tube angle and the application position desired. Thehandle 94 is preferably relieved to fit the user's hand and to provide auniform cross section to reduce molding problems. It is contemplatedthat a two part, hinged applicator may also be used, such applicatorbeing similar to a scissors but with limb grasping fittings on the arms.

In addition to the use of the applicator 90 for insertion of the urinarydevice 50, the applicator as shown is also useful as a diagnosticdevice. The length of the handle 94 corresponds generally to the lengthof the limbs 56 so that the handle 94 of the applicator 90 may be usedto determine whether the vagina has the necessary depth for use of thepresent device. If not, a model with shorter limbs may be chosen. Thewidth of the handle corresponds to the width of one embodiment of thedevice at the neck and so may be used to determine whether the vaginalorifice is large enough to accommodate such embodiment or whether anarrower type embodiment must be used.

The material of which the urinary device is formed is preferably amedically acceptable plastic, and the tube 58 is of a material such asRTV Silicone. A solid plastic body 52 is preferred to avoid the riskinherent in a coated metal version. Of course, any appropriate materialwill do. The applicator may be formed of any suitable material includingnylon or styrene. The body 52 of the device is preferably injectionmolded and the silicon rubber tuber 58 is permanently bonded to it.

The foregoing device provides exemplary performance in many situationsand for many different individuals. However, occasionally, due to theangle of the vagina and the position of the vaginal orifice relative tothe urethral meatus, the constricted neck 62 of the foregoing devicecontacts and irritates the urethral meatus which provides discomfort andaggravates an incontinence problem. Therefore, another embodiment ofapparatus shown in FIGS. 14 through 16 is provided having limbs 110 and112 spaced relatively farther apart at a neck 114 where they join acollector 116. A urethral clearance 118 is, thus, provided. In thisembodiment, the relatively softer collection tube 120 extends across theurethral space 118 to form a bridge 122 to prevent leakage. This modelrequires that the wearer be able to accommodate the wider neck 114extending through the vaginal orifice comfortably.

The embodiment of FIGS. 14 through 16 includes features for manualinsertion so that no deployment groove for an applicator is provided.Instead, the first limb 110 is slightly longer than the second limb 112and bulbs 124 and 126 at the free ends thereof are directed inwardly. Asshown in dotted outline, when the limbs 110 and 112 are moved toward oneanother, the bulb 126 overlies the bulb 124 so that a single surface ispresented at the vaginal orifice to ease insertion.

Referring to FIG. 15, the limbs 110 and 112 are bent at bends 130 and132 rather than being straight as in the previous embodiments. The bends130 and 132 in the limbs 110 and 112 aid in insertion of the device byreducing the degree the device must be collapsed to allow insert. It iscontemplated that the limbs 56 could be reduced in cross sectionsufficiently that they would be rendered flexible enough to be broughttogether for insertion. An embodiment so configured would not rely onthe bending of the sides of the collector as torque members.

A further difference between this embodiment and the foregoingembodiments is illustrated in FIG. 14. In particular, an angle 134between the collector 116 and the limbs 110 and 112 is less than 90degrees to accommodate individuals with a somewhat different vaginalangle.

By disclosing different embodiments, it is not intended to suggest thatonly these embodiments are possible. Instead, any feature from oneembodiment can be incorporated in the other embodiment to fit the needsof the individual wearer. Thus, the angled limbs can be included on anembodiment with a narrow neck, or the limbs of different length used onan applicator-insertable version. As will be appreciated by those ofskill in the art, the invention as described herein may also includevarious modifications in shape, size and configuration over thatillustrated to suit the individual wearer and the position and use towhich the device will be put.

The configuration of the disclosed embodiments permits the limbs to bemoved toward one another for ease of insertion and thereafter to open tothe deployment angle to hold the device in place. The spaced arms, whichare biased to the deployment angle, insure that the device is notdislodged or moved out of position. The device remains in a positiveposition due to the angled limbs engaging the lower portion of thevaginal walls. Muscle contractions of the various muscle groups aroundthe vaginal orifice, anus and bladder do not dislodge or dislocate thedevice since the torsion spring loaded limbs ride along with the tissueand only cause some rocking of the device about the pubic symphysis orpubic bones.

The collector portion is urged against the region surrounding theurethral meatus between the labia minor to provide a seal which preventsleakage of urine as an emergent stream of urine leaves the urethra andflows through the tube and away from the body. The device can be usedfor short term wear, although it is comfortable enough for longerperiods of wear. It is easily removed from the body by grasping thecollector portion and pulling which causes the limbs to fold inwardlyand pass through the vaginal orifice.

Although other modifications and changes may be suggested by thoseskilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors to embodywithin the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications asreasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution tothe art.

We claim:
 1. A urinary aid to be worn by human females, comprising:abody of flexible material including:first and second limbs configured tobe worn intravaginally, said limbs subtending an acute angle to oneanother when in a relaxed position, each of said first and second limbshaving a bulbuous free end, said free ends being unconnected to form anopen end of said body, said first and second limbs lying generally in afirst plane, a collector lying in a plane distinct from the first plane,said collector having a central opening configured to be positionedabout the urethral meatus when said limbs are positioned intravaginally;and a hollow collection tube having an opening, said hollow collectiontube being connected to said collector in a position so that said openend of said tube is in registration with said central opening in saidcollector.
 2. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein said firstand second limbs are each generally straight.
 3. A urinary aid asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second limbs each include abend.
 4. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein said collectiontube is bonded to said collector.
 5. A urinary aid as claimed in claim1, wherein said first and second limbs are connected to a base portionof said collector to form a neck region.
 6. A urinary aid as claimed inclaim 5, wherein said limbs lie adjacent to one another at said neckregion.
 7. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 6, wherein said centralopening is of an oval shape.
 8. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 5,wherein said limbs are spaced apart from one another by a predetermineddistance at said neck region so that a channel is formed therebetween,said channel extending to said central opening in said collector.
 9. Aurinary aid as claimed in claim 5, wherein said neck region curvesbetween said first and second limbs lying in said first plane and saidcollector lying in said plane distinct from said first plane.
 10. Aurinary aid for human females, comprising:a body of flexible materialincluding:first and second limbs lying at an angle to one another whenin a relaxed position, each of said first and second limbs having a freeend with a bulb, said first and second limbs lying generally in a firstplane, each of said first and second limbs having a deployment notch atan end opposite said free end; a collector lying in a plane distinctfrom the plane of said first and second limbs, said collector having acentral opening; first and second torsion portions connecting respectiveones of said first and second limbs to said collector, said torsionportions undergoing flexing as said first and second limbs are movedtoward one another; and a collection tube connectable to said collectorin a position so that an open end of said tube is in registration withsaid central opening in said collector.
 11. A urinary aid as claimed inclaim 10, further comprising:an applicator having a fitting forengagement over said deployment notches and onto said first and secondlimbs when said limbs are moved toward one another to an insertionposition, said fitting of said applicator retaining said first andsecond limbs in said insertion position and being selectively removablefrom said first and second limbs to permit said limbs to move to saidrelaxed position, and a handle attached to said fitting of saidapplicator.
 12. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 11, wherein saidhandle is of a length corresponding to a length of said first and secondlimbs.
 13. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 12, wherein a neck regionis provided between said collector and said limbs, and said handle ofsaid applicator has a width corresponding to a width of said neckregion.
 14. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bulbuousfree ends of said first and second limbs extend generally rearwardlyrelative to said collector.
 15. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 1,wherein said first and second limbs are of substantially the samelength.
 16. A urinary aid for human females, comprising:a body offlexible material including:first and second limbs lying at an angle toone another when in a relaxed position, each of said first and secondlimbs having a free end with a bulb, said first and second limbs lyinggenerally in a first plane, said first and second limbs being ofmutually different lengths and said bulbs at the free ends of said limbsbeing directed inwardly toward one another to overlap when said firstand second limbs are moved together into an insertion position; acollector lying in a plane distinct from the plane of said first andsecond limbs, said collector having a central opening; first and secondtorsion portions connecting respective ones of said first and secondlimbs to said collector, said torsion portions undergoing flexing assaid first and second limbs are moved toward one another; and acollection tube connectable to said collector in a position so that anopen end of said tube is in registration with said central opening insaid collector.
 17. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfirst and second limbs are round in cross section.
 18. A urinary aid asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second limbs each have aD-shaped cross section with flattened portions oriented to lie adjacentone another when said limbs are moved toward one another into aninsertion position.
 19. A urinary device for use by a human female,comprising:a collector having an opening configured for placementsurrounding the urethral meatus of the human female in generally sealingengagement; a hollow tube having an open end, said hollow tube extendingfrom said collector for carrying urine away from the urethral meatus;and means for holding said collector in sealing engagement surroundingthe urethral meatus, said means including:first and second elongatedlimbs having first ends connected to said collector and having secondopposite ends being unconnected free ends to form an open end of saidholding means configured for extending into the vagina of the humanfemale, said limbs being movable between an insertion positioncharacterized by said first and second limbs lying generally along sideone another and a deployment position characterized by said first andsecond limbs subtending an acute angle relative to one another; andmeans for biasing said first and second limbs toward said deploymentposition.
 20. A urinary device as claimed in claim 19, wherein saidcollector and said means for holding are molded in one piece.
 21. Aurinary device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said collector and saidmeans for holding are joined to one another by a neck region of apredetermined radius of curvature and a predetermined width.
 22. Aurinary device as claimed in claim 21, wherein said predetermined widthof said neck region is less than a width of said collector.
 23. Aurinary device as claimed in claim 21, wherein said predetermined widthof said neck region is substantially the same as a width of saidcollector.
 24. A urinary device as claimed in claim 19, wherein saidfirst and second elongated limbs each have an enlarged flattened bulb ata free end thereof.
 25. A urinary device for use by a human female,comprising:a rod of flexible material having a middle extent forming acollector portion with a central opening configured for disposition overthe urethral meatus of the human female, opposite end portions of saidrod forming limbs subtending an acute angle relative to one another whenin a relaxed position, said limbs being flexibly movable toward oneanother to reduce the angle between said limbs to achieve an insertionposition of said limbs configured for insertion into the vagina of thehuman female, said limbs being biased angularly outwardly relative toone another once inside the vagina to urge said collector into sealingengagement against the region around the urethral meatus; a neck regionbetween said collector portion and said limbs, said neck region defininga curve to permit movement of said device as the human female moves tomaintain a substantially sealing engagement of said collector about theurethral meatus; a hollow flexible tube connected to said collectorportion, said tube having a first open end in fluid communication withsaid central opening.
 26. A urinary device as claimed in claim 25,wherein said flexible tube extends from said collector substantiallyparallel to a plane defined by said limbs.
 27. A urinary device asclaimed in claim 25, wherein said flexible tube extends from saidcollector forwardly of a plane defined by said limbs.
 28. A urinarydevice as claimed in claim 25, wherein said flexible tube extends fromsaid collector rearwardly of a plane defined by said limbs.
 29. Aurinary device as claimed in claim 24, wherein said enlarged flattenedbulbs at said free ends of said first and second elongated limbs aredirected toward one another.
 30. A urinary device as claimed in claim29, wherein said bulbs overlap when said first and second elongatedlimbs are moved toward one another.
 31. A urinary aid as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising:an applicator having an engaging portionmountable in an engaging relationship with said first and second limbsto hold said first and second limbs at an angle less than said acuteangle.
 32. A urinary aid as claimed in claim 5, wherein said neck regionis at least as wide as said collector.
 33. A urinary device as claimedin claim 25, wherein said limbs have free ends forming an open end ofsaid device.
 34. A urinary device as claimed in claim 19, furthercomprising:an applicator having a limb engaging portion mountable onsaid first and second elongated limbs to hold said limbs generally insaid insertion position, said applicator being selectively removablefrom said limbs to enable said limbs to move to said deploymentposition.
 35. A urinary device as claimed in claim 25, furthercomprising:an applicator connectable to said rod to retain said limbsgenerally in the insertion position, said applicator selectivelyenabling said limbs to move angularly away from one another.
 36. Aurinary device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said collector lies in aplane.